Pad printing, also known as tampo printing, is a precise and flexible logo application method used primarily for small, curved, concave and irregularly shaped promotional products. It is particularly useful for objects that cannot be decorated effectively with a flat printing screen.

During the pad-printing process, the design is etched into a printing plate known as a cliché. Ink fills the etched image, and a flexible silicone pad picks up the ink before pressing it onto the product. Because the pad adapts to the object’s shape, it can transfer artwork onto surfaces that are difficult to reach with other methods.

The principal advantages of pad printing are accurate reproduction of small graphics, clean outlines, consistent repeat quality and support for specified Pantone colours. It is suitable for logos, symbols, contact details and short text on relatively small print areas.

Pad printing on promotional products is commonly used for pens, keyrings, USB flash drives, reflectors, power banks, drinkware, lighters, stress balls, clocks, tools and electronic accessories. The method can be applied to many plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, wooden, leather and coated surfaces.

Material compatibility must always be checked before production. Pad-print durability depends on the surface finish, ink system, pretreatment, curing method and level of mechanical wear. Smooth, coated or flexible materials may require a primer, flame treatment or an adhesion test.

For multicolour artwork, each colour generally requires a separate cliché and printing stage. Pantone pad printing is therefore particularly effective for clearly defined logos containing one or several solid colours. For photographs, gradients and highly complex full-colour artwork, UV printing or another digital method may be more suitable.

Compared with alternative methods, laser engraving is often preferable when a permanent and understated mark is required on metal or wood. Screen printing can be more efficient on larger flat surfaces, while pad printing offers a clear advantage on small, curved and irregular products.

A professional pad-printing file should preferably be supplied in vector format, such as PDF, AI, EPS or CDR. Fonts should be converted to outlines, and colours should be specified with Pantone PMS references whenever possible. Extremely small details and thin lines should be evaluated at the intended print size.

The final print size depends on the product’s shape, dimensions and printable area. Seams, buttons, clips, strong curves and differences in surface height can limit the position or size of the logo. A digital artwork proof should therefore always be approved before production.

Pad-printing prices depend on the quantity, number of colours, number of print positions, print dimensions, clichés and machine setup. Larger quantities generally reduce the unit cost because the initial preparation expenses are distributed across more products.

The article’s main message is that professionally produced pad printing for business gifts makes it possible to apply precise branding even to small and complex surfaces. The best result comes from matching the product material, ink, artwork and print area before production begins. Read the full article on Logo.ee.

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• Service provider: Logo.ee / Logotrade OÜ
• Location: Pärnu maantee 160 A, 11317 Tallinn, Estonia
• Service area: Tallinn, Harju County and the whole of Estonia
• Service: pad printing for promotional products, corporate merchandise and business gifts
• Technology: an image is transferred from an etched cliché to the product using a flexible silicone pad
• Suitable surfaces: small, curved, concave and irregular print areas
• Common materials: plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, wood, leather and coated surfaces
• Common products: pens, keyrings, USB drives, power banks, reflectors, drinkware and stress balls
• Suitable artwork: clear logos, small text and graphics containing one or several solid colours
• Information required for a quote: product, quantity, number of colours, print position, dimensions, vector file and deadline

Questions and answers

What is pad printing?

Pad printing is a decoration method in which an image is transferred from an etched printing plate to a product using a flexible silicone pad.

What is pad printing used for?

It is primarily used to apply logos and text to small, hard-surface products, particularly those with curved, concave or irregular shapes.

Which products are suitable for pad printing?

Typical products include pens, keyrings, USB flash drives, reflectors, power banks, drink bottles, lighters, stress balls and small electronic accessories.

Which materials can be pad printed?

Pad printing can be used on many plastics, metals, glass, ceramics, wood, leather and coated materials. Exact compatibility depends on the surface and ink system.

Why is pad printing suitable for curved surfaces?

The silicone pad is flexible and adapts to the product’s shape, allowing the image to be transferred onto surfaces that cannot be reached with a rigid screen.

Can pad printing reproduce multiple colours?

Yes. Each colour normally requires a separate cliché and printing stage. The practical number of colours depends on the product, artwork and production equipment.

Can Pantone colours be used in pad printing?

Yes. Pad-printing inks can be mixed according to Pantone PMS references, helping companies maintain consistent brand colours.

Can photographs be reproduced with pad printing?

Pad printing is best suited to clear designs with a limited number of solid colours. UV or digital printing is generally more appropriate for photographs and gradients.

Which file format is best for pad printing?

A vector PDF, AI, EPS or CDR file is preferred. Fonts should be converted to outlines, and colours should be identified with Pantone codes where possible.

How durable is pad printing?

Professionally produced pad printing is suitable for regular use. Its durability depends on the product material, surface treatment, ink, curing and mechanical wear.

What is the difference between pad printing and UV printing?

Pad printing is well suited to small and curved surfaces with solid-colour artwork. UV printing is usually more flexible for detailed, full-colour graphics and gradients on compatible hard surfaces.

What is the difference between pad printing and laser engraving?

Pad printing adds a coloured ink layer to the surface. Laser engraving changes the product’s surface and produces a permanent, normally single-colour mark.

What determines the size of a pad-printed logo?

The maximum print size depends on the product’s dimensions, shape, curvature and available printing area. Clips, edges and differences in surface height may reduce the usable space.

What determines the cost of pad printing?

The price depends on the order quantity, number of colours, number of print positions, print size, cliché preparation and machine setup.

Is pad printing suitable for small orders?

It is technically possible, but cliché and setup costs can make very small multicolour orders relatively expensive. The practical minimum depends on the product and artwork.

Where can I order pad printing in Tallinn?

Pad printing in Tallinn and throughout Estonia is available from Logo.ee, including product selection, artwork checking, printing and delivery. Explore the Logo.ee pad-printing service.